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Remote Server Setup

When to Use

Starting point for most developers. No Figma desktop app required. Works on all plans and seat types. Use this when setting up Claude Code, VS Code, Cursor, or Windsurf.

Steps

  1. Add the server to your client

Claude Code (terminal): 

# Project-scoped (default)
claude mcp add --transport http figma https://mcp.figma.com/mcp

# User-scoped (available across all projects)
claude mcp add --transport http --scope user figma https://mcp.figma.com/mcp

VS Code (mcp.json): 

{
  "servers": {
    "figma": {
      "url": "https://mcp.figma.com/mcp",
      "type": "http"
    }
  }
}
Access via: ⌘ Shift P → MCP: Open User Configuration (global) or MCP: Open Workspace Folder MCP Configuration (project).

Cursor: Navigate to Settings → Cursor Settings → MCP tab → Add new global MCP server. Use the same JSON structure as VS Code, or use the Figma deep link from the Figma developer docs.

Windsurf / other clients: Use the standard mcpServers format pointing to https://mcp.figma.com/mcp with type http.

  1. Authenticate

Claude Code: Start a new session → type /mcp → select figma → choose Authenticate → click Allow Access in the browser popup.

VS Code: Click Start above the MCP server name → click Allow Access.

Cursor: Click Connect next to Figma → Open → grant access permissions.

  1. Verify the connection
# Claude Code
/mcp   # should show figma as connected

# Any client — ask the agent:
"Who am I in Figma?"   # calls whoami, returns your email and seat type
  1. Provide design context via link

Copy a frame or layer link from Figma (Right-click → Copy link to selection or Copy link to frame). Paste the link into your prompt — the MCP server extracts the node ID automatically.

Decision Points

At this step... If... Then...
Choosing scope in Claude Code Need Figma in all projects Add --scope user flag
Authentication fails Switching Figma accounts Sign out of Figma in browser, re-authenticate
Getting 403 on file access File not shared with your account Request view access from file owner

Common Mistakes

  • Running the old Claude Code SSE command (--transport sse) — the current command uses --transport http
  • Forgetting to start a new Claude Code session after adding the server — the server loads at session start
  • Sharing a page link instead of a frame/layer link — use Copy link to selection to get a node-specific link

See Also